Wrestling with Cadence by Dennis Lee

You may know Dennis Lee by the lyrically nonsensical poem and book, Alligator Pie, which came out in 1974. The cadence of which starts on a bicycle ride while most of the words elude the speaker, and the journey takes him home to write what he can remember.

While arguably his most recited whimsical piece, Lee’s depth goes far beyond a look at Canadiana inspired by Mother Goose. Wrestling with Cadence is an exploration of the history, purpose, and progress of poetry, though Lee humble in admitting he doesn’t have all the answers. It is clear Lee has the patience and passion to search for results. This book is for the poet, writer, and general lover of words, and the history of Canada’s stories.

Lee describes how good poetry embodies many senses, breaks rules, and elevates itself through form and the unbreaking of form. Through poetry, history, and memoir, Lee confesses his plan to become a professional magician as an adolescent. Through his telling, it is proven that his dream has come true in that he is a magician with the literary medium. While he dazzles his audience with a journey through tricks, reveals, and deception his words leave a lasting impact.

This short book will live on through its storytelling and exploratory journeys of inspiration, motivation, trial and error, and bicycle rides. Lee is a poet, scholar, and human being with misgivings and missteps. His story is complete with curiosity that has the potential of killing great poems while respecting and celebrating their tremendous value.

With evidence and examples that are easily understood and appreciated, Lee takes refuge in humility in this collection of essays re-visited and revised. The author admits to theories clicking into place while opening passageways leading to more decisions, thought-provoking questions, and how practicing doesn’t always necessarily make perfect, but does breed passion and purpose.

Theory of poetry can be taught in the classroom in a variety of ways. There are many books, opinions, and even more blog posts about the essence of a poet and the form it can naturally or forcibly take. Lee’s book will stand out and above the rest. It is written as if you are meeting with Lee over tea and cookies to discuss Mother Goose and the value of its popularity in Canada. This book is personable, friendly, kind while inviting you to argue, debate, and discuss amicably for the greater good. To use your words in a way that make sense, instigates change, and breaks down the importance of spacing when reading a poem aloud.

Wrestling with Cadence certainly wrestles with words, wisdom, and whimsy while wondering out loud. The pages whisper a warm welcome while encouraging readers to wish for more conversation and insight into the wonderful world of words.

DENNIS LEE, Toronto’s first Poet Laureate and song lyricist for Fraggle Rock, is the author of enduringly popular children’s collections such as Alligator Pie, Garbage Delight, Jelly Belly, Bubblegum Delicious and The Ice Cream Store. He has received many honours, including the Vicky Metcalf Award for his body of work, and is also an acclaimed poet for adults. His poetry is anthologized and read aroUnd the world. He lives in Toronto.

Publisher: Stonehewer Books (September 15, 2025)
Paperback 8″ x 6″ | 234 pages
ISBN: 9781069236203

Sarah Butland

Website

I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.

I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.